Anyone travel/fly with a CPAP machine?

[4forMe]

I just received my CPAP yesterday, and DH and I have a trip to Orlando scheduled for next weekend.

My understanding is that the CPAP is not counted towards your carry-on - is this correct? Will I have a problem bringing my carry-on suitcase, tote bag and the CPAP machine? We are flying Southwest there and Air Tran home.

Also, is there a special line you have to go through in security if you have medical equipment with you?

I thought about just leaving it home so I don't have to deal with the hassle at the airport, but I am sleeping so much better with it.

 

[BonnieA]

You can take your CPAP and it does not count as part of your carry on allowance. It is a medical device.
You will have to take the machine (not the hoses) out of the bag and put it in a bin for inspection. They will also swab it to check for explosives. It is a pain to drag all that stuff, take it out, put it back. But it is for your health.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

You can take your CPAP and it does not count as part of your carry on allowance. It is a medical device.
You will have to take the machine (not the hoses) out of the bag and put it in a bin for inspection. They will also swab it to check for explosives. It is a pain to drag all that stuff, take it out, put it back. But it is for your health.

Keep in mind that the TSA bins are filthy. People put shoes and who-knows-what-else in them. The CPAP device should be kept completely clean.

For several years, I've been in the habit of bringing paper towels to line the TSA bin before putting my CPAP in it.

Since the beginning of this year, I've noticed that the TSA is no longer routinely asking for CRAP units to be removed from their bags or swabbing them for explosives. So now I leave my CPAP in its bag. I only recall one time this year when the TSA asked to swab it.

 

[Figmificent]

My DH has flown with a CPAP since 2007. It does not count towards your carry ons. As far as TSA he always unzips and flips the bag open but leaves he machine in the bag. He has never been asked to remove it. It is routinely swabbed by TSA so don't freak out if it goes through the scanner and thy holler who's bag is this? Once in a while it doesn get it, but most times it does so just be prepared. It takes all of about 2 minutes.

 

[momof3poohlovers]

My DH has had his cpap machine for about 5 years and I agree with the pp, it does not count towards your carry on. My DH also just opens the cpap carry bag and puts it through the scanner so it doesn't touch anything but his bag. He has always been pulled aside to have it checked though. I am not sure what they do as I am always busy with the kids but I know he has been pulled aside at every airport we have been to and we travel quite a bit. It's not a big deal though and only takes about an extra minute or so.

 

[bumbershoot]

TSA has a page about them.


"Once out of the carrying case, you can place your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag before placing the device in the bin. You will need to provide/bring your own plastic bag."

DH is traveling tomorrow with his brand spankin' new machine, and I'll make sure he has some plastic bags.


Also:

Upon request, TSOs will change their gloves prior to performing the visual and physical inspection, and ETD sampling of your CPAP machine. The CPAP will need to be removed from the plastic bag by the TSO to conduct the ETD sampling.

Upon request, TSOs will clean the table where the ETD sampling will be conducted.

Upon request, TSOs will change the ETD sampling media before conducting the ETD sampling.

 

[sgtpet]

I used a CPAP machine a year ago and what everybody else has posted is accurate. Just bring your own plastic bags for germs at the airport. CPAP is a great machine.

 

[Uptoit21]

Thanks for the info. I will be going to WDW in just over 2 mnths. I would not dream of leaving my machine at home. I'll need all the restfull sleep I can get.

Dan